Custer County pie bakers will be putting their best fall foot forward on Thursday, October 9 at the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway Barn Pie Contest.
New for this year, contestants will be able to submit their soft pies – pumpkins, custards and curds – in addition to the more traditional fruit pies.
Fruit Pie drop off at the Big Red Barn on the east side of Broken Bow begins at 10:00 AM through 3:00 PM. Soft pies must to be dropped off between 3:00 PM and 3:15. A panel of expert pie eaters will begin sampling the pies for judging at 3:15.
Pies will be judged on overall taste and appearance, and one winner will be the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway Pie Champion for 2025 with their name on the plaque that hangs at the Red Barn.
However, the contest is also one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway Visitors Center. The community is also invited to come out and sample the best pies in the County for a free will donation.
CEDC Director Scotti Ross urged anyone who might be considering participating to definitely do so, saying, “Anybody who can bake a pie please do. Don’t let the fact that it will be judged deter you because the biggest thing is it’s a fundraiser for the Red Barn Visitor Center, and it’s the biggest one of the year. We sell the pies through free will donation which brings in an amazing amount of money I’m always just so impressed with the giving.”
Again, plan to enter your fruit or soft pie in the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway Barn Pie Contest on Thursday, October 9. Or, plan to come and taste pies that are sure to please starting at 3:15. More details, including pie contest rules and submission can be found on the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway Visitor’s Center Facebook page.
